Microsoft Changes Terms for MSDN and TechNet

Tuesday Jul 3rd 2012 by Developer.com Staff

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The company hopes to deter software pirates by tightening up its developer programs.

Microsoft is making several amendments to its Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet programs in an effort to crack down on pirates. Beginning later this month, MSDN subscribers will be limited to 5 license keys for the most recent versions of Windows and Office or 3 license keys for older versions. In addition, MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to download only 55 license keys per day instead of 100. In addition, Microsoft will no longer allow members of these programs to download parts of the Office suite a la carte, and it will eliminate some older software from the program.

The MSDN and TechNet programs allow developers and other tech professionals to try out Microsoft products, but in the past, software pirates have abused the programs by reselling the license keys they obtain.